Meeting of the Board of Regents | March 2008

SUMMARY

Issue for Discussion

The Museum Gallery renewal has begun with planning the exhibitions which will open in 2010. The project is moving forward: Master planning of all galleries and exhibition development for Natural History, Human History and Native Peoples galleries.

At your meeting we will update you on activities related to both the Gallery renewal and the Stewardship Facility and seek your guidance on issues associated with the projects.

Reason(s) for Consideration

Endorsement of the overall direction and scope of the Museum gallery renewals and stewardship facility plan.

Proposed Handling

The Regents Cultural Education Trusteeship Committee will oversee the renewal of the Museum galleries and report periodically to the full Board. The Committee will also make recommendations on the renewal of the Museum to the Cultural Education Fund Board of Trustees.

Background Information

The 2006-2007 budget included $20 million to make the collections of the Museum, Archives and Library more accessible. The 2008-2009 budget makes the funds available as a mix of capital ($15 million) and CE Fund ($5 million). The proposed galleries will utilize our collections to tell a rich narrative about New York. Exhibit development and planning are well underway.

In last year’s executive budget, an additional $60 million capital funding was made available for the construction of a new Stewardship Facility.  Along with the funding authorization, the bill called for the establishment of a Cultural Education Trust with a Board of five persons. The board will oversee the gallery renewal and development of the stewardship facility. Of the five members, the Governor, the Senate and the Assembly each appoint one member.  The Board includes two Regents. The Commissioner has appointed Regent Karen Brooks Hopkins and Regent James Dawson will serve as Chair in place of the Chancellor.  The Governor has appointed John Egan and the Senate Majority Leader has appointed Professor Jeffrey Kraus.  The Assembly has appointed assemblyman Jack McEneny. 

The Office of Cultural Education is also working closely on the initial stages for procurement of land for the new Stewardship Facility.  The $60 million capital appropriation will initiate the first phase of construction of a multi-phased approach to re-house our collections and eventually our research labs.

Recommendation

Recommend endorsement of the overall direction and scope of the Museum gallery renewals and stewardship facility plan.